New Vic Production
By Arthur Berry
Directed by Abbey Wright
A world premiere production
Born and raised in the industrial heartland of Stoke-on-Trent, Phoebe Salt spends her days working in the meat market, trapped in a daily grind of blood and bone.
After work, yearning for glamour and adventure, she rehearses her role as a Showman’s Assistant with the local town entertainer and soon, opportunity knocks.
Will a TV appearance help her finally escape the trials and tribulations of working life or does her fate have other plans?
Arthur Berry, a master of capturing the soul of working-class life, brings to life the grit and resilience of the people of Stoke-on-Trent in this striking drama. Part of the Arthur Berry 100 and Stoke-on-Trent centenary celebrations happening all across the city in 2025 to recognise the work of this unsung local hero, Whatever Happened to Phoebe Salt is filled with vivid storytelling and rich characters.
Age Guidance: 14+
Season Ticket Deals
Sat 31 May & Tue 3 June – limited number of £15 tickets available! When they’re gone, they’re gone!
As part of our Audio Describer service, an audio introduction to the performance can be listened to here
Booking Information
Showing: Saturday 31 May–Saturday 21 June 2025
Tickets: £15.00 - £33.00
Concessions: £2.00 off
Group Discounts: £2.00 off for ten or more
Under 16s Go Free
Under 26s Go Free
Interpreted Performances
Captioned: 7.30pm Tue 17 June
Audio described: 2.15pm Sat 21 June
Dates & Times
Cast & Creatives
Photo Gallery
Isabella Rossi and Tracey Ann Wood in Whatever Happened To Phoebe Salt_DirChoice
Reviews
"A must-see production for Stokies everywhere!..."
— Jane Lythgoe, The Hit Mix
"A nostalgic glimpse into Stoke's history and culture ..."
— David Bithell, A View To A Kiln
"well-crafted and delivered production..."
— Clare Brennan, The Observer
"Richly evocative production ..."
— Chris Bartlett, The Stage
"Well-acted production ..."
— Mark Fisher, The Guardian
"It has laughter, intrigue, drama, grit and a twist that comes out of nowhere..."
— Gareth Ekin, On In My City
"like a restored and polished museum piece..."
— Chris Eldon Lee, What's On Staffs
"it shows why Arthur Berry was so revered in his home town..."
— Steve Orme, British Theatre Guide
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